Introducing unbound.news

Welcome to unbound.news, a new independent journalism project exploring the shifting sands of media ownership, platform lock-in, and the gradual "enshittification" of our digital world.

I'm Terry Godier, and I've spent the better part of two decades knee-deep in the digital media world. I'm currently an engineer at a major media org, but I've been a lot of other things, too: a marketing executive at a privacy company, a podcaster/creator, and an SEO analyst for newsrooms like CBS News and ZDNet, helping them navigate the wild west of online publishing. I've also been a founder and tinkerer, making a general ruckus online for most of my life.

But lately, something's been bothering me.

We're increasingly living in a world where we don't actually own our entertainment. We subscribe to streaming services and buy digital goods, but those movies, shows, albums, and games can disappear at a moment's notice. Even while they're available, they're locked to specific platforms. And the platforms themselves? They're constantly changing the rules, often in ways that benefit them more than us.

This is the insidious creep of platform lock-in and enshittification: we're at the mercy of tech giants who control our access to culture and information, tightening their grip with every update.

That's why I'm launching this website and newsletter. I want to shine a light on these issues, explore the implications, and hopefully start a conversation about how we can build a more open and equitable digital future.

What can you expect from unbound.news?

• In-depth reporting: I'll be digging into the complex world of media ownership, uncovering the hidden structures and power dynamics that shape our entertainment landscape.
• Analysis and commentary: I'll offer my own perspective on the latest trends and developments, drawing on my years of experience in the industry.
• Practical advice: I'll share tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of platform lock-in and protecting your digital ownership rights.

This is a new venture for me, and I'm still figuring things out as I go. But I'm passionate about these issues, and I'm committed to providing you with high-quality, independent journalism.

So, if you're interested in learning more about the future of media and technology, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter and join the conversation.

Here are a few things I'm working on for future posts:

• The hidden costs of streaming: How much are we really paying for the convenience of on-demand entertainment?
• The fediverse: A real alternative? Can decentralized platforms break the grip of Big Tech on our culture, and allow us to once again own the content we create and the audience we earn?
• Fighting back against platform lock-in: What can we do to protect our digital freedom?

I'm excited to embark on this journey, and I hope you'll join me.

Stay tuned,

Terry Godier